Respuesta :

To obtain the least common multiple (LCM), we are to write the prime factorization of each number.

Each common factor may be written in exponential form.

Copy the common base factor and then use the highest exponent of the base.

For example, we are to get the LCM of 12 and 16.

[tex]\begin{gathered} 12=2^2\cdot3 \\ 16=2^4 \end{gathered}[/tex]

Thus, we get each base and raise them to their highest exponent.

We copy 2 and 3. The highest exponent of 2 is 4 and the highest exponent of 3 is 1.

Thus, we get the following LCM.

[tex]2^4\cdot3=16\cdot3=48[/tex]

Therefore, the answer in the blank should be "exponent".